WHO Launches Hepatitis B Awareness Campaign in Philippines

Last Thursday, October 2, the World Health Organization (WHO), together with the Hepatological Society of the Philippines, launched an awareness campaign for hepatitis B, a contagious viral infection that can become chronic and cancerous. In the Asia Pacific region, it is estimated that every 30 seconds, a person dies from viral hepatitis. In the Philippines, one out of six Filipinos or 16.7%, are infected with HBV.

Chris Muñoz of the Yellow Warriors Society of the Philippines, a national organization of HBV patients and advocates, explained that the campaign is not merely about educating the general public about Hepatitis B, but to eliminate any social stigma that comes with this disease. The launch entitled, “B-Aware Campaign,” featured the attendance of 3 other healthcare leaders:

Dr. Nick Walsh – WHO’s Western Pacific Region Office

Maricel de Quiroz-Castro – technical officer of WHO Philippines

Dr. Eternity Labio – President of the Hepatological Society

One of the campaign’s gauges for effective information dissemination is for it to trend on various multimedia platforms such as Facebook, television, print, radio, and other venues for social media. It also seeks to partner with other campaigns and health programs in the country such as with the Department of Health’s (DOH) maternal health program – an especially important channel for education on hepatitis B as most chronic carriers of the virus become infected at birth. In fact, 90% of all newborn babies are at risk for HBV, hence the mandatory administration of a vaccine at birth.

Despite the mandatory and complementary HBV vaccination, Quiroz-Castro still believes the country is still behind when it comes to protecting individuals against this disease because of delays during home deliveries, difficulty obtaining government funding, and lack of support from the private sector. She added that once the WHO forms a strategy involving neighboring Asia Pacific countries, the Philippines will be appointed a leading country in the regional fight against Hepatitis B.

Anna is responsible for the scripting and production of video news content. Her skills as a registered nurse as well as a proven video content creator on YouTube and other social media platforms allow her to create video news reports that are engaging and easy to understand for patients.

Disclaimer:

Hepatitis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Pin It on Pinterest

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. We never use your cookies for creepy ad retargeting that follows you around the web. OkRead more